Betty, age 78 of Roy, WA passed away after saying her goodbyes to family and friends on January 14, 2016. Born Elizabeth Leah, the oldest of the nine children of Tom and Leah Mulcahey, Betty attended Kapowsin Grade School and graduated from Bethel Senior High. A 4-H'er in her younger years, she led her children and grandchildren into the 4-H program which eventually turned into her involvement with fairs. Betty was the manager of the Pierce County Fair for 32 years, involved in running the Lacamas Community Fair for over 40 years and was an instrumental part of the SuperHost program at the Washington State Fair for 20 years. Betty was awarded the Golden Acorn award for 23 years of PTA service, a volunteer firewoman for 22 years, ran for fire commissioner and called Bingo at the community hall every Friday night. Fairs and South Pierce County were a big part of Betty's life and her dedication to kids and community will be missed by many. Betty is survived by her eight brothers and sisters, as well as her husband of 54 years Jon, her daughter Dana Schafer (Carl), sons Steve Becklund (Julie), Don Becklund, Tim (Eun), Tom and Terry Backstrom; grandchildren Jeff, Jayson, Brett, Kristin, Haley, Conner, Declan and great grandchildren Susannah, TJ, Sylvie and Soren. Betty also had numerous "adopted' kids, including her special friend Jennie Kanning, who were all taught to bake, sew, lead, think, love, respect, teach and give and who also called her mom and grandma just like her own. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and first husband Clif Becklund. A celebration "Fair' will be held at the Washington State Fairgrounds in the Pavilion on Sunday, February 7th at 10:30 am. Betty asked that any contributions in her memory go to a 4-H scholarship fund through the Bethel Educational Scholarship Team (www.best.dollarsforscholars.org). The family would like to thank her care team on the 6th Floor at Good Samaritan Hospital for making her short battle with cancer comfortable.
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